For the most part, in Jain families, they first filter
water by means of a thick and clean cloth and then use it for drinking,
bathing and for washing clothes, because there will be countless creatures
in water; moreover, flying creatures may fall into open vessels. Filtering
water is necessary even if we think of kindness to these creatures. If
water is filtered those creatures are saved; moreover, filtered water is
not only good but absolutely essential for health. We should place covers
or lids on vessels containing water meant for bathing and washing so that
flying creatures may not fall into them. Sometimes, some poisonous
creatures also may fall into those vessels or their saliva, spittle etc.,
may fall into them if they are kept open; and so such things cause harm to
health.
